Hi Conner – We use L1, L2, and L3 to denote different weight levels. We talk more about it here on our hiking guide – https://www.hotshotfitness.com/hotshot-hiking-guide/ . But in short:

All hikes are classified into three levels:

Level 1: Line Gear Only = ~25lb pack weight. (L1)

Level 2: Chainsaw + Line Gear = ~45lb pack weight. (L2)

Level 3: Piss Pump + Line Gear = ~60lb pack weight. (L3)

You can vary the length and time of your hikes, but shoot for at least 45 minutes, minimum. Most hotshot training hikes last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, so be prepared.

As far as your mile times, honestly that’s going to be up to you and your level of fitness. What’s important is that your mile times are dropping over the weeks. However, when you’re doing an LSD run (Long Slow Distance), you’re going to run a slower pace as compared to a 3 or 4 miler. Each time you go out, try to shave something off your last time. It doesn’t have to be dramatic – 10 seconds off your previous mile time is solid progress! Hope that helps. Good luck!